Národní muzeum

About the museum

The National Museum was founded in 1818 as the Patriotic Museum and grew out of private collections of the Czech nobility. During the 19th century it was renamed several times: from 1848 it bore the name Czech Museum, and from 1854 to 1919 it was called Museum of the Kingdom of Bohemia. Over time it developed into the most important Czech museum institution, with natural science, historical and art collections.

Since 1891 the museum has been housed in the monumental Neo-Renaissance building at the upper end of Wenceslas Square, which was declared a national cultural monument in 1962. After extensive reconstruction, the Historic Building reopened on 28 October 2018, the centenary of the founding of Czechoslovakia. In November 2019 an underground passage connected it with the New Building and its multimedia exhibition Moments in History; together the two buildings now form the Museum Complex.

The museum comprises several research institutes and manages collections and exhibitions in other buildings and memorials in Prague and in other parts of the country. Among the results of its scientific research is, for example, the discovery of the oldest known vascular land plant of the genus Cooksonia.

Highlights

• Skeleton of a minke whale (plejtvák myšok) in the Miracles of Evolution exhibition
• The Pantheon – one of the most beautiful halls in the Czech Republic and the heart of the museum
• History exhibition from the 8th century to the First World War with around 2,000 objects
• Windows into Prehistory with life-size models of prehistoric animals
• Mineral halls with meteorites and fluorescent minerals
• Children's Museum with interactive exhibits for children from the age of 4

Permanent exhibitions

• Dějiny – Across an area of 1,300 m², around 2,000 objects tell the story of the Czech lands from the 8th century until the First World War.
• Okna do pravěku – The exhibition presents life in this territory millions of years ago: around 2,000 objects, from fossil trilobites to a giant ammonite and life-size models of prehistoric animals.
• Panteon Národního muzea – A ceremonial hall in the heart of the Historic Building, one of the most beautiful interiors in the Czech Republic.

Founded

1818

Operated by

Národní muzeum

Admission & discounts

Free admission: Free admission days to National Museum buildings in 2026: 1 November and 6 December (not valid for the Children's Museum, the Czech Press Photo exhibition or the Palacký and Ježek memorials, for example).

The ticket is valid for the Historic and the New Building and for all current exhibitions, except the Czech Press Photo exhibition and the Children's Museum, which have their own admission fees. An e-ticket allows one-time entry within 30 days of purchase. Free admission (at the ticket office only) is also granted to holders of ICOM cards, Společnost NM and Prague Card – CoolPass.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials
• Audio description: no information

The Museum Complex is step-free except for the dome and the upper floors of the Children's Museum. Step-free access to the Historic Building leads through the entrance to the New Building, the café and the connecting passage; at its end there are lifts on both sides. Wheelchairs, walkers and crutches can be borrowed free of charge from the cloakrooms of both buildings. A parking space for holders of ZTP and ZTP/P cards is in the basement of the Historic Building (entrance from Vinohradská Street) and must be reserved by e-mail at nm@nm.cz at least one working day in advance. The museum offers information in Czech Sign Language, audio recordings of virtual exhibitions and basic information in easy-to-read language.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area

The Children's Museum in the New Building is intended for children from the age of 4 (up to 15 only with an adult). Entry is by timed ticket with 90-minute slots, and strollers are not allowed inside. The children's corner is on the 4th floor of the New Building, in the 20th Century History exhibition. Changing tables are available throughout the complex, including in the men's toilets. The museum runs programmes for families with children and, during the holidays, summer camps.

Getting there & parking

With a pushchair or wheelchair, use the entrance to the New Building and continue into the Historic Building through the café and the connecting passage.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Wi-Fi

Bistro Národní muzeum on the ground floor of the New Building (daily 9:30–19:00) and cafés in the eastern hall of the Historic Building and on the first floor by the Windows into Prehistory exhibition (daily 10:00–18:00). Shops are located by the café in the Historic Building and on the first floor. The cloakroom is free in both buildings; backpacks and luggage larger than 40 × 30 × 20 cm and umbrellas must be left there. Visitors can use the free Wi-Fi network “Museum visitors” (after accepting the terms).

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

The spaces of the Historic and New Buildings can be rented for social and corporate events, conferences and wedding ceremonies.

Plan your visit